Seas of Conquest

A Biographical Novel Series of Ferdinand Magellan - Seas of Conquest (Book 2)

The Portuguese are caught up in a long deadly struggle for supremacy of the spice trade. Magellan and his comrades are soon thrust into major battles in India, Malacca, and Morroco, and with each new mission they are placed in contact with the bizarre customs of the local populace. In the port of Cochin, India, Magellan discovers a variety of Hindu religions, a large community of diasporic Jews, a sect of Nazarene Christians established by Saint Thomas, and more clues to the location of the fabled Christian sovereign, King Prester John.
Magellan and company fight in the four-month siege of Malacca. Emerging victorious, and with great spoils of war, the years of service to the crown have proven fruitful. But, with the sinking of Albuquerque's 400-ton Flor de la Mar, Magellan's share of the vast treasure on board is lost to the deep.
After serving in the Portuguese navy for nearly a decade, under the commands of both Almeida and Albuquerque, Magellan returns to Lisbon, a wounded veteran, destitute but unbowed. With King Manuel's continued opposition, Magellan is hard pressed to find the means to fulfill his dream, of reaching the fabled Spice Islands themselves.